Charles William's Story.
Runcorn Examiner, Saturday, December 16, 1916.
Promotions and Distinctions
Second-Lieut. C.W. Secker
Promoted for good work in the field
For good work in the field, where he has been diligently employed in chemistry. Sergeant Charles William Secker, of the Royal Engineers, who, before enlisting resided with his widowed mother, at the Yorkshire Dairy, London Road, Stockton Heath, has been awarded a Second Lieutenancy. Second Lieutenant Secker, who is 22 years of age, enlisted in September 1914, and went to France in the following September. He made rapid progress, and soon obtained his sergeants stripes. He was educated at the Boteler Grammar School, and afterwards proceeded to the Sheffield University, where at the time war broke out, he was studying to become an analytical chemist. He played football for the university and won his colours.
He is here seen in the uniform of the Shropshire Light Infantry with whom he served before becoming attached to the Royal Engineers.
His death in 1918 also appeared in the Runcorn Examiner
Runcorn Examiner, Saturday, November 16, 1918.
Killed.
Lieut. C.W. Secker
Lieut. Charles William Secker, Royal Engineers, the only son of Mrs Secker, 61 London Road Stockton Heath and of the late Mr Tom Henry Secker, veterinary surgeon of Boro Bridge, York's, is officially reported to have been killed in action in France on November 4th. Lieutenant Secker enlisted in the infantry in September 1914 and gained the rank of Sergeant 12 months later. He was transferred to the engineers, with which he went to France, and he received his Commission in November 1916, for good work on the field. Major T. V. Betts, writing to Mrs Secker on November 7th says: “you will have heard by now the sad news of your son’s death. He was killed by a shell which burst near him whilst carrying out an operation in the line. He was taken to a casualty clearing station and will have been buried by the authorities of the hospital. His death is a great loss to the company. He has been with me for nearly two years and during this time has carried out his work with the greatest skill and courage. His work has been so good that I sent his name and recommended him for the Military Cross in the New Year’s Honours list. His death leaves a gap in the company which can never be properly filled. He was extremely popular with both men and officers, all of who joined with me in expressing our profound sympathy in your sad loss.”
Sergeant R. Evans, writing to Mrs Secker says “it was with very deep regret the news of the death of our sub-section officer was received by N.C.O.’s and men, and they wished me to convey to you their feelings of deep sympathy in your terrible loss. It is felt by all to be a personal loss as your son had been in charge for nearly two years and was looked upon by all as a friend even more than an officer, both in active operations when in the lines or resting behind he was always very very cheery under any conditions and the men naturally always did that utmost without a murmur. If there was a stunt on the only question asked was is Mr. Secker taking charge in the line? for if so one could always rely on things going well. Outside the line he was very keen on all sport and himself a fine all-round athlete, and last year he introduced football as part of parade, which you may guess was a very popular move. The news came as a big blow to me, because we got along together excellently, and we're more on the footing of friends then officer and Sergeant. It was a pleasure to work and carry on under him and he could ill be spared as good officers are very valuable in every way for sustaining a good morale amongst the men. It struck me as very hard, especially at this period of the war, after what he has been through and helping another section. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy in your great loss which everyone to a man feels deeply. He has gone but will never be forgotten as a man who was also a fine type of officer and leader who always infused confidence in his command.”
Lieutenant sacker was educated at Warrington Grammar School, after which he was apprenticed to Mr F. G. Ruddock the Borough analyst for two years, and then proceeded to Sheffield University where he was studying when the war broke out. A Splendid athlete Lieutenant Secker was keen on all sports and had his ‘cap’ for football at university.